FOREVER PORTRAIT
By J a n e n e C i s s i
Frequently Asked Questions
The following information is provided for clarity and transparency — you are not required to read it if you prefer.
Q. How long have you been a photographer? A: I began learning photography 30 years ago. I started working as a freelance wedding photographer and studio assistant in the late 1990s. My career has also included work as a hand developing photo print maker, studio assistant, hairstyling in professional hair salons and work as a professional makeup artist in film and television which revolved around raising three children across three different continents.
Q. What type of photography services do you offer? A: I provide a variety of photography services, including portrait photography, family, makeover portraits, maternity sessions, styled portraiture, headshots, and personal branding. I truly enjoy capturing the feeling of a moment in time and the essence of people.
Q. What is your pricing structure? A: My pricing varies based on the type of photography service. It starts with a compulsory retainer fee to secure the standard resources and artists to begin works before every photoshoot. This is the intangible labour part of any session.  I offer optional full makeover photoshoots that include hairstyling and makeup. Customised photoshoot packages are also available to suit your needs. Tangible prints and products are purchased separately, with no minimum requirement—you only buy what you love.
Q. How do I book a session? A:To book a session, fill out the contact form on my website or email me directly at hello@foreverportraitstudio.com. I recommend booking at least a few weeks in advance for availability and for the session planning to begin.
Q. What do your sessions cost, and what's included? A: Custom portrait sessions start at NZ$590, covering the initial consultation, pre-shoot planning, professional makeup artist, preparation, location scouting, equipment setup. A 45-minute post-photoshoot viewing and ordering session will be scheduled after your photoshoot. Note that portraits and products are purchased separately.
Q. Are portraits and printed products included in the photography session? A: The session fee covers the artist's intangible time and resources used during your shoot. The $100 is credited towards any collection purchases. Prints are available separately, and you only select the items you truly love.
Q. Can I bring my own props or wardrobe for my session? A:Of course! I encourage you to bring any props or wardrobe that will personalize and enhance your session.
Q. How soon will I see the photos? A:You will have your viewing and ordering appointment approximately 2 weeks after the photo session, either in person or online. A 50% deposit is required before placing any external orders with our pro labs. Your printed portraits will be ordered once the deposit is received. Please note that shipping times will vary.
Q. Why do I need to make a deposit? A. To secure your purchase with our respective international vendors and ensure dedicated time for your project, we require a 50% deposit at the time of confirmation. This helps us prepare fully for your needs and allocate the necessary resources. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Q. Do you offer retouching/editing services? A:Yes, standard retouching is included with every print purchased. If additional retouching is required, we will discuss and quote it separately.
Q. What is standard retouching? A: Standard retouching includes adjustments to color balance, brightness, and contrast, as well as basic edits like blemish removal and shadow correction. For any additional retouching needs, a quote will be provided upon request.
Q. Are you a qualified photographer? A: Yes, I studied photography during the film era in the late 90s, learning film development and darkroom techniques. I also had a few years of self-taught experience prior to my formal education.
Q. What printing do you offer, and how long will they last? A: I use premium professional photo labs, with my main lab specialising in luxury handcrafted products. The prints have a longevity of up to 300 years, ensuring your portraits will last for generations.
Q. Do I need a phone consultation? A: Yes, every booking begins with a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation. No sessions will be scheduled without this initial consultation.
Q. How far in advance do I need to book? A: I recommend booking at least 2-4 weeks in advance to allow for proper planning.
Q. What are your hours of service? A: Studio portrait sessions typically run from 10 AM to 2 PM, Monday to Friday. Weekend sessions are available for an additional fee.
Q. Why aren't you open on weekends? A: Weekends are dedicated to family time, which is very important to me. However, like any professional business, I can be reached during regular business hours.
Q. Do you travel to your clients? A: Travel for location photography is available for an additional cost, quoted during the consultation stage. Please inquire about travel rates.
Q. How much are prints and products? A: Enlargement prices start at NZ$390, with handcrafted Italian Legacy Case Collections starting at NZ$2000. You can choose as many or as few prints as you wish, with discounts for larger orders.
Q. What are the metric measurements for prints? Â A. Professional print labs specify print sizes in inches. For instance, a print size of 10 x 7 refers to dimensions of 10 inches in width and 7 inches in height, while a size of 40 x 30 indicates 40 inches in width and 30 inches in height.
Q. Can I just get the digitals? A: While we understand the desire for digital files, our pricing reflects the value of both digital and printed portraits. Each collection includes a delicate watermarked digital file for your personal records.
Q. Do you include professional makeup before a photo session, and why?  A: It is your choice to add-on hairstyling and makeup by a professional artist. It's the secret sauce and makes a big difference. A professional makeup artist enhances your natural beauty and creates a personalised look, ensuring you feel confident and beautiful for your photos.  The professional will know how to use the best techniques that ultimately enhance your overall portrait to showcase the best version of you! It's best to relax and enjoy the pampering instead of doing your own makeup.
Q. What if I need to reschedule my photo session? A: I offer one complimentary reschedule if notified in advance. Additional rescheduling or no-shows will require a new session fee to secure the artist's time and studio.
Q. I hate having my photo taken. Will I enjoy a shoot with you? A. I understand—I'm not fond of it either! However, I use flattering lighting and posing techniques to help you look your best. You might be surprised at how much you enjoy the process, and remember, you only keep the images you love.
Q. Do you offer special discounts? A: Gift cards are available for products and services. I focus on delivering high-quality results without sacrificing excellence and believe in the long-lasting value of professional photography.
Q. How long does a photoshoot take to complete? A: This varies based on the session type, but a typical portrait shoot can last from 20 minutes for headshots to 2+ hours for more elaborate sessions, not including hair and makeup time.
Q. What is the photographer’s process? A: Prior to your shoot, I may spend 5-10 hours preparing. After the shoot, expect an additional 10-20 hours for processing, organizing, and managing your viewing appointments. In total, I invest 20-30+ hours from start to finish.
Q. Can I bring another photographer to the session to use your studio? A:  While I would love to photograph another photographer, I do not allow simultaneous use of the studio. It’s essential to respect my workspace to maintain a focused environment during our session, and it’s important to consider the significant costs associated with maintaining a dedicated studio space for clients.
Q. Do I get to keep everything you photograph? A:You only purchase what you truly love. The session labour doesn’t include prints or products; think of it as any menu—you select what you desire, and you will receive what you order. This ensures every that portrait is processed 1 by 1 to reflect our standards of quality.
Q. Do portraits include a licensing agreement? A. Licensing agreements are sold and purchased separately. Photographers require a licensing agreement to establish the terms of use for their images, protect their intellectual property rights, and ensure they are compensated fairly for their work.
Q: I'm still unclear about your pricing structure. Can you explain it? A: Of course! Our pricing works much like a menu at a restaurant or salon. The service/labor fee covers your Portrait Session (not headshots or branding), which is a one-time sitting fee that includes both your photo session and viewing appointment. The session fee includes a complimentary 10"x7" matted print OR a $100 studio credit toward any wall art enlargement. In our menu, you'll find five wall art size options—from small to extra extra large—as well as three collection packages. Think of it like ordering from a menu: select what you'd like, and you'll receive exactly that. We'll guide you through the initial consultation and viewing session to help you choose the perfect pieces before confirming your order. All prints go through a meticulous crafting process to ensure exceptional quality and durability. A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to place your order with our lab, with the remaining balance due before your order is shipped.
The quality of my work should resonate with anyone who values quality and premium products, regardless of their background or where they come from.
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As part of my practice, I uphold Artists' Work Pay Equity—ensuring fair compensation for creative talent, artistic expression, and their results.
Each portrait session, from the moment an inquiry is received through behind-the-scenes preparation, location scouting, the photoshoot itself, editing, communication, administrative tasks, post-shoot follow-up, purchasing, investments in equipment, professional makeup and styling, as well as premium products and design elements—such as optional framing choices—can require over 3 days of dedicated effort and invisible labour. While I offer generous packages, my work embodies a high level of skill, time and dedication that deserves fair compensation. Additionally, mandatory taxes are included in the final pricing.
Upgraded prints and collections are optional and priced accordingly.